How Failure to Maintain Trucks Leads to Accidents

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In any
truck accident, there are likely numerous factors that led to the accident. One of the
most common causes of major truck accidents, however, is a failure to
properly maintain trucks. Trucking companies and other businesses that
own or lease semi-trucks are required to make sure that their vehicles
are in good condition and safe for the road. When they fail to do so,
the consequences can be devastating.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a truck accident, it
is possible that the person or entity responsible for conducting truck
maintenance is liable. Our firm can help you navigate the legal process.
At Anastopoulo Law Firm our team of attorneys thoroughly investigates
each case we take on, and we often work with accident reconstruction specialists
and other industry experts in order to determine exactly how an accident
occurred—and who is responsible.

Who Is Responsible for Semi-Truck Maintenance?

The U.S. trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, or FMSCA. According to FMSCA rules, all truck drivers
are required to perform truck inspections, both before a trip and after
it has been completed. This means that truck drivers themselves have a
significant responsibility when it comes to truck maintenance. After conducting
a thorough check of the truck and its various parts, truck drivers must
sign a written inspection report. This report includes a checklist of
truck parts—such as brakes, tires, lights, horns, and more—that
must be inspected and signed off on.

However, truck drivers are not the only one liable for truck maintenance.
If a driver notices something wrong with the vehicle, he or she must report
it to the trucking company. The trucking company (or the company that
owns, leases, or operates the truck in question) is then responsible for
taking the necessary steps to adequately repair or replace noted parts.
Trucking companies must keep all written and signed truck inspection reports
for a period of at least three months, and they are not allowed to encourage,
pressure, or force a driver to operate an unsuitable vehicle.

How We Investigate Failure to Maintain Truck Accident Claims

Some common problems that we see in regards to improper truck maintenance/maintenance
procedures include:

Truck drivers that do not complete the mandatory pre- and post-trip truck
inspections

Truck drivers that do not properly fill out and sign inspection reports

Truck drivers that fail to report vehicle issues to their employer/trucking company

Trucking companies that do not properly address/repair reported vehicle issues

Trucking companies that fail to keep truck inspection reports for the required
period of time

Trucking companies that allow/make drivers operate unsafe vehicles

When you turn to Anastopoulo Law Firm with your truck accident claim, our
legal team begins working right away on investigating the cause of your
accident. We look at all available evidence, including truck maintenance
and inspection reports, to determine if failure to maintain a semi-truck
led to your accident. With more than 25 years of experience, our South
Carolina attorneys have the in-depth legal knowledge, resources, and skill
needed to thoroughly prepare your case.

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